Wind Turbine Blade Assembly Positioning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assembling and disassembling wind turbine blades are time-consuming and costly due to the need for frequent reconfiguration of lifting systems within the hub and the lack of efficient positioning and guiding mechanisms, leading to increased crane requirements and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising first and second positioning elements attached to the nacelle and blade, respectively, along with guiding and supporting means, allows for precise alignment and movement of the blade connection flange relative to the hub flange without the need for internal lifting system components, enabling efficient assembly and disassembly by lifting from a non-rotating point and ensuring accurate blade positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lifting system components (pulleys, winches, cables) are installed inside the hub for blade assembly, then blade mounting can be performed, but the system requires reconfiguration for each blade assembly which is time-consuming and increases operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lifting system components (pulleys, cables, winches) from inside the hub and relocates them to the tower structure. This allows the hub to remain simple and stationary while the lifting system operates externally, eliminating the need for reconfiguration when assembling different blades.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting system is designed as a universal external structure on the tower that can handle multiple blade assemblies without reconfiguration. The system serves all three blades through a common infrastructure, making it multi-functional rather than blade-specific.
2Ease of operation
If lifting system components are installed inside the hub, then blade assembly is enabled, but the components must be disassembled and moved to access doors which increases time and operational steps
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the lifting system from the hub interior and placing it on the tower, the patent eliminates the entire disassembly and relocation process. The lifting components remain permanently installed in an accessible external location on the tower throughout all blade assembly operations.
3Ease of operation
If conventional lifting methods are used without precise positioning mechanisms, then blade assembly can proceed, but alignment accuracy between blade connection flange and hub flange is insufficient leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces positioning elements as intermediary components between the lifting system and the blade connection flange. These elements provide precise alignment guidance, ensuring that the blade connection flange aligns accurately with the hub flange before the actual connection is made, thereby preventing damage.
4Force
If high-capacity cranes are used to handle heavy rotor components, then lifting capability is sufficient, but the cost of crane operation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the lifting system at the optimal height on the tower, allowing blade assembly to occur at or near the final installation position. This eliminates the need for high-capacity cranes to lift heavy rotors vertically from ground level, significantly reducing crane capacity requirements and operational costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces the number of operations required for assembling a complete rotor, minimizes the need for high-capacity cranes, and prevents damage to components by ensuring precise alignment and trajectory control, thereby lowering assembly and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A cable is stretched between a part in the outside surface of the hub of the wind power installation and the bottom region of the wind power installation. The rotor blade is moved along the cable upwardly upon mounting or downwardly upon dismounting the blade.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for assembling or disassembling a blade of a wind turbine, the wind turbine comprising a tower resting on a base, a rotor comprising at least one rotor blade having a blade connection flange and a nacelle mounted atop the tower, a hub rotatably connected to the nacelle and comprising a hub connection flange adapted to be detachably connected to the blade connection flange of a rotor blade, wherein the system further comprises a first positioning element adapted to be attached to the nacelle or to the tower in a top area and a second positioning element adapted to be joined to the blade in a root blade area, being the first and second positioning elements configured to cooperate to provide an accurate position of the blade connection flange prior to connection to the hub connection flange as well as the method associated.